Installer Blog

Improving energy efficiency – There is no debate

Tim Pollard, Head of Sustainability at Plumb Center, believes there’s no debate around improving energy efficiency of UK homes – it should just be a given.

Organisers of the worldwide day of protest on climate change claim it attracted more than half-a-million people to 2,700 simultaneous events across 161 countries.

Whether you’re convinced about climate change or not, you have to take your hat off to the organisers of this global phenomenon. And while I have no wish to enter this contentious debate, I do hope it will focus minds around the globe about how vital it is for us all to act now in order to cut energy consumption.

In the UK, this is not just a great aspiration because we’re signed up to legally-binding climate change targets. We’ve got to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% (from the 1990 baseline) by 2050.

To hit this ambitious target, our buildings need to be well insulated and powered in a sustainable way, which is why the Government has been offering incentives like the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) – which rewards people for generating heat from renewable sources.

Renewable technologies, such as heat pumps, solar thermal and biomass, have never made more sense, and we’re doing everything we can at Plumb Center not only to give installers access to all the leading brands but also to help them gain the relevant qualifications to fit renewables.

We must also remember,however, that boilers are still the heating system of choice for the vast majority of people in this country. So installers have a key role to play in steering their customers towards A-rated, energy-efficient boilers and helping them ensure they aren’t leaking energy and their hard-earned cash into the atmosphere.

It’s also always worth reminding people that whatever heating system they have, they’ll still be wasting energy if they don’t use controls. According to TACMA (The Association of Controls Manufacturers), controls can knock 40% off energy bills, surely that’s knocking at an open door?

The climate change debate will continue to rage, but as an industry I believe we have a duty of care to help people enjoy the benefits of more energy-efficient homes and businesses today – surely there can be no debate about that?

About The Author

Tim Pollard is Head of Sustainability for Plumb and Parts Center, and believes passionately in the provision of sustainable construction solutions which are practical, effective and economic. Tim played an instrumental role in launching the Sustainable Building Center in Leamington Spa, which was opened in 2008 as the UK’s first commercial showcase for sustainable building products and construction methods, and is head of the team which is defining Plumb and Parts Center’s sustainable product offer and its commercial implementation. During his 25-year career, Tim has developed a breadth of knowledge which stretches across a wide range of products and technologies together with the implications and requirements of a sustainable supply chain. He regularly] speaks at industry conferences throughout the UK and is actively involved in activities within the local community, especially involving young people.